How to Close a Defiant Damper That Does Not Close

Fireplace dampers are supposed to keep elements out of the home when the fireplace is not in use. While burning wood, the damper is opened, to let smoke ventilate from the firebox through the chimney to the outside. In most jurisdictions, there are building codes which specifically prohibit dampers from closing tightly especially in gas fireplaces, to let residual gas vent outside instead of permeating the home. However, a damper that closes too loosely should be inspected.

Flashlight
Sorghum broom
Shovel
Old blankets

Instructions

- 1
  Let any fire extinguish completely. If you have a wood burning fireplace, wait until all embers and ash cool to room temperature. Clean the firebox out with a sorghum broom and shovel. Place old blankets on the hearth.
- 2
  Situate yourself in front of the firebox and shine a flashlight into it, looking upward to locate the damper lift. Grab the damper lift and pull your head out of the firebox. Open the damper and allow any debris to fall into the bottom of the firebox.
- 3
  Shine the flashlight back into the firebox. Inspect the edges of the damper for gaps as well as obstructions such as dead rodents, leaves, or branches. Should any of these obstructions be found, remove them and check the chimney arrestor for openings. Tighten the damper lift with your hands to make it close more tightly. Close the damper by grasping the damper lift and pushing it upward. Most dampers will not close with an airtight seal, but should not have large gaps.

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